This week marked the beginning of “budget season” in Harrisburg, and on Tuesday, Gov. Tom Wolf presented his budget priorities and spending plan to a joint session of the General Assembly. A 16 percent budget increase from last year, Wolf presented a $33.8 billion proposal that would take us to historic levels of spending, with nearly $4.7 billion in new spending alone. As proposed, Pennsylvania families would see a 21 percent increase in their Personal Income Tax liabilities.

Rep. Mike Peifer (R-Pike/Wayne) is inviting his constituents to contact him online at www.RepPeifer.com to weigh in on the governor’s spending plan and other budget-related issues. The representative encourages interested persons visit www.pahousegop.com for additional details on the governor’s budget proposal.

The budget process will continue over the next several weeks with a series of budget hearings conducted by the House Appropriations Committee from March 9-26. These hearings will give each executive agency in the Commonwealth an opportunity to present its fiscal priorities to the committee and request adjustments in its allotted funding or “appropriation.” At that time, a line-by-line analysis of the proposal will begin. The deadline for a final, balanced budget to be adopted is June 30.

School Emergency Bill Passes House Unanimously

On Feb. 25, Peifer’s legislation to help school entities make up instructional time following a weather-, health- or safety-related emergency passed the House unanimously, and is now on its way to the Senate for consideration. After extended closings became the reality for many Pocono-area schools during the Eric Frein manhunt last year, Peifer introduced House Bill 158 to give the secretary of the Department of Education the discretion and authority to issue school emergencies. Schools need to be given the tools to respond to the challenging events, and this legislation will give them the ability to provide high-quality instruction to their students, while recovering from lost time in a manner that is best for their communities. House Bill 158 is now on its way to the Senate for consideration.

Ensuring Justice for PA Crime Victims

In accordance with the executive order issued by Gov. Tom Wolf, starting on March 5, no one in Pennsylvania currently sentenced to death will be executed, at least until a commission tasked with reviewing the matter completes its work. Earlier this week, lawmakers introduced House Resolution 143. The resolution calls on the governor to reverse his decision and live up to his constitutional responsibility to uphold the law and ensure justice is served for victims and law enforcement personnel. Lawmakers insisted that the governor’s move was politically motivated and prevents justice from being served for the victims of the most heinous crimes.